YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan) — The National Accord held a regular session Friday during which it issued a statement regarding the recent trial of opposition members charged with mass disorder following the September presidential elections.
The session of the grouping of opposition political parties and organizations was chaired by Rouben Hakopian–a member of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Executive Council of Armenia which also hosted the meeting at its headquarters.
"…The trials have not been based upon a thorough investigation into unprecedented violence– persecution and other breaches of the law committed by the authorities during–and in the days following the presidential elections. Therefore–the trial cannot reveal the actual cause of the above events–their instigators and executors.
"Violations of the criminal and procedural laws–illegal court trials based on the testimony extracted through beatings–blackmail and terror has become commonplace in Armenia. Such are the so-called "Dro" and "Trial of 31" cases–as well as legal action initiated in connection with the Sept. 25 demonstrations.
"The National Accord declares that the trials resemble political retaliation and add to internal political tension in the republic.
"The National Accord deman’s that illegal trials be stopped and all political prisoners be released."